The shameful flight of the russian contingent from the territory of the Arab republic marked the rapid process of overthrowing Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.

In the Syrian capital, Damascus, the dictator's residence, government buildings, and the central office of national television are under the control of forces opposed to Assad.

After losing control of Damascus against the backdrop of the ongoing offensive of opposition forces in the provinces of Latakia, Hama, and Tartus, the russian army withdrew its warships from the naval base in Tartus, which Assad had previously given to moscow as a payment for his security.

On December 9, 2024, the frigate Admiral grigorovich of the russian Black Sea Fleet and the cargo ship Engineer Trubin of the russian Northern Fleet left Tartus for the Mediterranean Sea.

The russians are also transferring the remnants of their weapons and military equipment from Syria by military aircraft from the Khmemim airbase.

After the capture of Damascus, opposition forces to Assad are moving to the coast - the likely loss of russia's military bases in Tartus and Hmeymim will finalize the kremlin's defeat in the Middle East.